Felt the need to build another warship model but did not want to add to the usual RN and USN vessels that inhabit many UK sailing waters. After a little head scratching, a Japanese "Special Type" destroyer built in the 1920/30's seemed ideal. They were quite impressive vessels when first built and a model ought to look both different and handsome.
Using my favored 1/144 scale and balsa sheet/strip construction the model came out at 32 inches (81 cm) in length and about 3 pounds (1.45 kg) in weight. Powered by a single RE385 motor on 7.2 Volts driving P35 type propeller, the modest current of 1.5 Amps gives a top speed of 5 ft/sec (1.5 m/s).
Handing is smooth and trouble free, well it is provided you do not apply full power astern for too long! One quirk it has is that when turning tightly at high speed, it heels into the turn, clearly due to the force on the rudder. This is not in any way dangerous and adds a little to the different nature of the model when sailing.
Plans about to be sent off to Model Boats.
Glynn Guest